Police launch probe into suspected infanticides in Puthukkad

In a shocking incident, a man showed up at the Puthukkad police station in Thrissur early on Sunday morning with a bag containing skeletal remains of two infants. The police arrested the man and his woman partner in connection with suspected infanticide and destruction of evidence.

The couple — Bhavin and Aneesh — got acquainted through social media in 2020 and soon started a relationship. Their first child was born in 2021, and the second one in 2023.

The police suspect that the woman was responsible for the death of one of the two infants. Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of death of the second child.

According to the woman’s statement, the first baby died during childbirth. However, the police said that the second child was smothered shortly after birth to keep the delivery a secret. Bodies of the infants were buried in the backyard of their house.

The case came to light when Bhavin, who was no longer in a relationship with Aneesha, arrived at the police station early on Sunday in an inebriated state, carrying a bag. “He was speaking incoherently and carried a bag. On inspecting the bag, the police found skeletal remains of the newborns,” said Thrissur Rural SP B. Krishna Kumar.

According to the police, the youth also claimed that they exhumed the bones to preserve them for religious rites.

The police suspect Bavin preserved the bones as he got suspicious about Aneesha’s fidelity after finding another phone in her possession and feared she might marry someone else. This led to tensions between them, including one on the Sunday night.

Aneeha said she handed over the remains to Bavin thinking that he would dispose of the remains in the sea.

Mr. Krishna Kumar said that the bones are believed to be of infants as per initial forensic analysis. DNA tests will be conducted to confirm the parentage. Further detailed interrogation of both accused is under way.